Guest and the Host

The latest episode in the Tasleema Nasreen saga has achieved the dimensions of a passionate public discourse on freedom of speech and expression in civil society. Nevertheless, it appears that this fervor has overlooked the simple fact that Tasleema is not an Indian citizen. It is unarguable that the space for dissent is the prerequisite for any country to be a polity. But that space is the prerogative of its constituents alone.  Non-citizens, certainly, cannot assert any fundamental or constitutional right. Article 19 is of limited application to Indian Citizens.

Bangladesh is no autocracy nor is it an oppressive state. Its Constitution guarantees the fundamental rights (Art. 26-47) on the similar lines as the Indian Constitution. It is imperative that she has to assert her rights to freedom in her own country. It is the duty of anyone who proclaims to be an intellectual. The only exception could be if there is widespread oppression; but, other than Tasleema, no author or intellectual from that country has sought shelter anywhere.

The bottom-line is that her travails are personal. She is just a guest in hour country - a privileged one, of course, as all guests are. But every prudent guest needs to understand that this hallowed privilege is circumscribed by the sensibilities of the host. And sensibilities are emotional and need not always be absolutely rational. Moreover, right to freedom is a living faith and, even for the citizens, it is meant to be much more than a lollipop  for the pseudo-intellectuals.